Can You Recognise The Signs Of Drowning?

Today I was alerted to an important article on how many people are not able to recognise the signs of drowning.

While movies portray people thrashing, screaming and calling for help, Dr Francesco A. Pia reports that in real life the signs of drowning are very different. Dr Pia reports on what he calls “The Instinctive Drowning Response“:

The Instinctive Drowning Response—so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind.

Check This Video Of The Signs Of Drowning

Mario Vittone also reports these other signs of drowning when persons are in the water:

Head low in the water, mouth at water level

Head tilted back with mouth open

Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus

Eyes closed

Hair over forehead or eyes

Not using legs—vertical

Hyperventilating or gasping

Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway

Trying to roll over on the back

Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder

Sadly these signs are rarely taught in first aid courses so I urge you to share this with any friends that enjoy water activities.